The newest offering from Greg Gould, Strings Attached, is a 13-track emotional and politically passionate work that underscores his prowess as one of Australia's most powerful vocalists. The album showcases original soul pop music, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Shoshana Bean, Morissette, Kate DeAraugo, and Kween Kong. These collaborations highlight themes of survival, pride, independence, and resilience, all delivered with Gould's multi-octave voice.
Behind the scenes, Gould worked with esteemed songwriters and producers like Scott Alan, ASTON, Tania Doko, Andrew De Silva, and John Foreman. The work is further enriched by live strings directed by Ryan Youens, adding depth and allowing Gould's voice to shine. Throughout its 51-minute runtime, the new all-original LP from the Australia's Got Talent 2013 runner-up is a real gem.
The album opens with "Marching On", a powerful single written in response to homophobic bullying. This track immediately hints at the album's confessionally emotional yet empowering theme. "Just a Man" follows, serving as a mental health anthem. "Who Gave You Permission?" is a deeply personal track addressing Gould's experiences with sexual abuse, while "Leave It All Out" featuring Morissette, explores the theme of resilience.
"Bloodlines" is an anthem of self-determination. With lyrics like, "Bloodlines will not define me / I have the right to decide / It's my life / And I do what I do to survive," Gould through the song proclaims one's right to define their own path. "Something Has to Change" and "Come Home" both open with evocative piano melodies, touching on themes of marital perseverance and longing, respectively.
"Hurricane" brings an upbeat energy, capturing the tumultuous yet invigorating nature of life's challenges, while "You Are Enough" is an inspirational ballad aimed at soothing and uplifting listeners. The duet "Home" featuring Shoshana Bean, speaks to the comfort of unwavering support.
As the album marches on, Gould is joined by Kate DeAraugo, Adam Noviello, and Kween Kong in "No More", which is a call to end hatred and violence, emphasizing unity. Arguably the most powerful track on the record, they sing in chorus, "Why, why, why is there so much violence, so much silence / Cry, cry, cry for the souls we've lost, how many more have to / Die, die, die, we must come together, that's the answer." Then, just as the passion gets heated up, "Like This Before" and "They Don't Know" close the album with moving ballads, highlighting the impact of love and understanding.
Gould is currently promoting Strings Attached through a series of live shows with the Youens String Quartet and as a featured singer in the Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated tour. Key dates include:
- Aug 3: Synthony Pride (Spark Arena), Auckland, NZ
- Sept 13: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
- Sept 20: Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
Stream Strings Attached below and reserve your seat.
Sam is a mediocre artist, musician, and the founder and editor in chief of UNXIGNED. He is a Juris Doctor who leads an excitingly boring life in the confines of his room juggling studies with passion and dreams. He is terrible at finding balance but gets by anyhow. He wants you to follow his artist pages and channels for when he decides to up his game. Pretty open for collabs and will mix your would-be hit song for cheap.
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